Mining machine



Feb. 4, I1936.`

c. A; PRATT MINING MACHINE originall Filed oci. 8, lsz

' 5 sheets-sheet 1 Feb. 4, 1936. Q A PRAT-r 2,029,793

' MINING MACHINE original Filed oct. s; 1952 `5 sheets-sheet 2 l QD. @Y I Y EQ/@$725.4 Cha/'Zefafah ww Q. M

Feb. 4, 1939.

C. A. FRATI MINING MACHINE original Filed oct. 8, 1952 5 sheets-sheet 5 L@ @n @QN Fab. 4, 1936. Q A PRATT 2,029,793

` MINING MACHINE I OriginalFiled Oct. 8, 1932 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 C. A. PRATT MINING MACHINE 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 original Fired oct'. 8, 1952- Patented Feb. 4, 1936 lWlNING MACHINE Charles A. Pratt, Chicago, Ill., assignor to Goodman Manufacturing Company? Chicago, lll., a

corporation of Illinois Application October 8, 1932, Serial No. 636,819 Renewed August 2, 1934 36 Claims.

This invention relates to improvements in mining machines of the type adapted to cut a kerf in the mine wall along the mine bottom, and has among other objects to provide a new and improved mining machine of the class described lof a simplied and compact construction particularly adapted for use in conjunction with mechanical loading devices in mining systems where it is not desirable to lay tracks into the v working place.

The practice has recently developed of using conveyors to load the coal and. convey it from the working place instead of mine carsloaded by hand. When conveyors are so used, it is undesirable and unnecesary to lay tracks into the Working place. It has been found in such systems of mining that the most eii'icient method of cutting is with a machine of the track mount-` ed type which may cut an arcuate kerf adjacent the mine bottom. The practice has also grown of cutting the face and immediately loading the mined coal and then recutting the face, keeping one machine in the working place until it has been fully worked out. At present, due to the fact that the cost of laying tracks into the room makes it excessively expensive to use a track mounted machine, an o-rdinary shortwall machine is used to perform the cutting operation, said machine being left in the working place. Inasmuch as the shortwall machine is a relatively expensive machine and not adapted to such kinds of operations, it has been found that the cost of tying up such a machine in one room is too great to be practical and that said machine does not cut inthe desired manner for loading with conveyors.

The device of my invention provides a mining machine for such conditions which will cut in a most efficient manner for loading with conveyors, and which is of an inexpensive construction so it may be left in the working place until said working place has been completely worked out.

My invention may be more clearly understood with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:

Figure l is a top plan view of the forward portion of a machine constructed in accordance with my invention with parts broken away and in section to more clearly show the details thereof; FigureZ is a top plan view'of the rearward portion of the device illustrated in Figure 1 with parts broken away and in section to more clearly show thedetails thereof;

, Figure 3 isan enlarged side elevation of they forward portion of the device illustrated in Figure 1 with parts shown in longitudinal section to more `clearly show the details thereof;

Figure 4 is a side elevation of the rearward 5 portion of the device illustrated in Figure 1 with parts broken away and 1n section;4

, Figure 5 is a sectional view taken substantially on line 5-5 of Figure 2;

Figure 6 is a partial fragmentary sectional View taken substantially on line 6-6 of Figure 1;

Figure 7 is a partial fragmentary sectional View taken substantially on line 1-1 of Figure 2;

Figure 8 is a partial fragmentary sectional view taken substantially on line 8-8 of Figure 2;

Figure 9 is an enlarged detail .view of the' means for holding a portion of the mining machine in a stationary position during the cutting operation; and

Figure 10 is an enlarged working diagrammatic View of the embodiment of my invention illustrated in Figure 1.

Like numerals refer to like parts throughout the various figures.

Referring now in particular to the embodiment of my invention illustrated in the drawings, a portable support generally indicated by reference character 9 is adapted to have a cutting element generally indicated by reference character Ill connected thereto for reciprocable slidable movement with respect thereto, for swinglng movement across the forward end and sides thereof, and for angular adjustment with respect thereto.

The cutting element I 0 includes a motor II, herein preferably shown as being vertically disposed, and a cutter bar I2 extending forwardly therefrom having a cutter chain I3 movable thereabout in a closed orbital path in a usual manner.V The cutter bar I2 is supported by a suitable frame member I4 disposed forwardly of the motor II, having connection with said motor, and `providing a bearing support for means for ydriving the cutter chain I3 from said motor.

The drive fromme motor Il to the cutter chain 5 I3 for drivingsaid cutter chainabout the cutter bar I2 includes an armature pinion I5 which meshes with and drives a spur gear I6 keyed on the upper end of a vertical shaft I'I. The vertical' shaft I1 is journaled in the frame member I4 by means of suitable ball bearings in a usual manner, and has a pinion I8 keyed thereon disposed beneath the spur gear I6. The pinion I8 meshes with 4and drives a spur gear I9 keyed on the upper end of a vertical shaft 20 spaced forwardly of the vertical shaft I'I and journaled in the frame member I4 by means of suitable ball bearings. A sprocket 2| is keyed on the lower end of the vertical shaft 20 and meshes with and drives the cutter chain I3.

A suitable deflecting means is provided on the frame member I4, which deecting means is adapted to cooperate with the cutter chain I3 and deflect the cuttings to the retreating side of the machine during the cutting operation, and is herein shown as comprising a deflecting plate V23 Yconforming substantially to the path of the cutter chain I3 and adapted to be `detachably con-` nected thereto so it may be reversed when `the direction of cutting is reversed in a manner well known to those skilled in the art.

The rearward portion of the cutting element I is adjustably supported for slidable movement along the ground when connected to the portable support .9 on suitable adjustable supporting means, which adjustable supporting means is herein preferably shown as comprisingY ashoe 24 adapted to rest on and slide along the mine bottom. Said shoe 'is disposed beneath the motor I I and provides a pivotal adjustable slidable support for said cutting element and motor which permits said lcutting element `to readily follow an uneven mine bottom.

Threaded members 25'eXtend upwardly from and are pivotally connected to the top surface of the shoe 24 adjacent opposite sides thereof in a suitable manner and "pass through suitable lugs 26, 26 disposed on opposite sides ofthe motor I I. Y Suitable means are provided for adjusting the threaded members 25 with respect to the "motor II, which may be of any ordinary construction but which are herein Vpreferably shown as comprising threaded collars 2'I threaded on the threaded members 25 and having Suitable gripping means therein adapted 'to be engaged by suitable turning levers (not shown) and disposed between the lugs 26, 26 so that rotatable movement of either one or both of Vsaid threaded members will adjust the position of the motor I I and cutting element I0 with respect to the shoe 24 in an obvious manner.

Likewise, a shoe '28 is slidably mounted in a slot 32 formed in thercutter bar I 2 and extending longitudinally thereof for supporting said ycutter bar and forward portion of the cutting element I0 for slidable movement along the mine bottom.

The portable support 9 forms a means for guiding ythe cutting element I El for sliding and swinging movement with respect thereto, and forms a support for the mechanism for moving and swinging said cutting element and .for mov- Y ing said support along the mine bottom and comprises a guide frame 29 preferably adapted to have its longitudinal axis extend at right anglesV to the face of the coal during the cutting operation. f

The portable support 9 and guide frame 29 comprise a longitudinally extending Y pan 30 adapted to rest upon and slide along the mine bottom, provided with up-turned sides and ends to permit ready maneuverability of said pan along said mine bottom when desired. Said pan has parallel-spaced channels 3|, 3| arranged along opposite sides thereof for a portion of Vits length in such a. manner that open sides of said channels face each other.

The channels 3|, 3| are of suiicient length to permit the cutting element I0 to be-movedtherealong to sump the cutter bar I2 in or withdraw said cutter bar from the coal face and form a guiding support for a slidable base member 33 which is supported on the upper flanges thereof for slidable mo-vement therealong. Said base member in turn forms a means for guiding and supporting the cutting element IIl on the guide frame 29 for slidable and swinging movement with respect thereto.

The slidable base member 33 is provided with suitable bearing blocks 34, 34 recessed within its underside adjacent opposite sides thereof which engage the top faces and sides of the upper flanges of the channels 3|, 3| and provide a bearing for said slidable Vbase member to permit slidable movement of said slidable base member along said channels.

Means are provided for holding the slidable base member 33 in a relatively balanced position with respect to the channels 3|, 3| and permit said base member to guide the cutting element I0 while slidably moving therealong when said cutting element is disposed on opposite sides of said channels as well as in front of said channels, which means as herein shown comprise a plurality of rollers 35, 35 mounted on suitable brackets 36, 36. Said rollers engage the underside of the upper flanges of the channels 3|, 3|. Likewise, rollers 31, `3'I are provided to engage the inner sides of the webs of the channels 3 I, 3|.

Thus the slidable base member 33 is supported on the channels 3|, 3| for slidable movement therealong in such a manner that said base member may effectively guide the cutting element IU as it is moved along the mine bottom on the shoes 24 and 28 by means of suitable mechanism supported rearwardly of the rearward ends of said channels in a manner which will hereinafter be more fully described.

Referring now in particular to the means for connecting the cutting element I0 to the slidable base member 33, a stud 39 extends upwardly from said slidable base member adjacent the central portion thereof and has a connecting link 40 supported thereon on a suitable ball bearing. The connecting link 4B is thus pivotally movable with respect to the slidable base member 33, and suitable bearing means of a usual construction are provided between the undersurface of said connecting link and the top surface of said portable base member.

A suitable bracket 43 is secured to and extends forwardly and upwardly from the rearward end of the portable base member 33 adjacent the upper side of the connecting link 46 and engages and supports the upper end of the stud 39. A portion of the undersurface of the bracket 43 also engages the upper side of the connecting link 4U to prevent undue strains on the bearing for said connecting link and stud 39, and to aid in holding said connecting link in a parallel position with respect to said slidable base member.

A suitable latch member 44 is pivotally connected to the bracket 43 adjacent the rearward end thereof and is adapted to extend through a suitable opening in said bracket towards the forward end thereof. Said latch member is adapted to engage one of a plurality of rectangularly shaped notches 45, 45 formed in the top surface of the connecting link 40 adjacent the outer periphery thereof for holding said connecting link in various fixed positions with respect to the slidable base member 33. Said latch member may be operated by a suitable hand lever 46 in a usual manner or may be allowed to drop into the notches 45 by gravity if desired. Y

A stud 41 is secured to and extends upwardly from the opposite end of the connecting link 49. A member 48 is mounted on the stud 41 on suitable roller bearings in a usual manner for pivotal movement with respect thereto. A collar 49 is feathered on the stud 41 and has jaws 50; depending therefrom. Said jaws are adapted to engage suitable apertures 5I formed in the top surface of the member 48 for holding said member in fixed relation with respect to the connecting link 49 when desired. The collar 49 may be moved along the stud 41 to engage the jaws 50 with or disengage said jaws from the apertures 5I by means of a suitable system of levers in an ordinary manner (not shown) or said jaws may be permitted to engage said apertures by gravity if desired.

A hinge member 53 is hinged to the member 48 adjacent one side thereof, herein preferably shown as being the right hand side of said member when facing the forward end of the machine. Said hinge member is mounted on a hinge pin 54 extending longitudinally of the portable support 9 when the longitudinal center line of said support is in alignment with the center line of the cutting element Iii, as indicated in Figure 1. The hinge member 53 extends along the right hand side of the member 48 and along the forward end thereof and its forward left hand portion is yieldably connected to the forward left hand portion of the member 48 so as to permit limited yieldable pivotal movement of said hinge member with respect to the member 48.

The means for yieldably connecting the left hand forward portion of the hinge member 53 to the member 48 comprises a bracket 55 extending upwardly from the left hand forward'portion of said hinge member and provided with suitable lugs 56, 56 extending rearwardly therefrom. Similarly, a suitable rod 59 is pivotally connected to the member 48 and extends upwardly therefrom passing through the lugs 56, 56. A collar 51 is securedy to the rod59 intermediate the lugs 56, 56. Suitable compression members, herein shown as being coiled compression springs 58, encircle the rod 59 and are interposed between the top and bottom surfaces of the collar 51 and the lugs 56, 56.

A hinge member 6I) is similarly hinged to the forward end of the hinge member 53 on a suitable hinge pin BI for pivotal movement with respect thereto about an axis disposed transversely of the portable support 9 when the axis of pivotal movement of the hinge member 53 extends longitudinally of said support.

Suitable `yieldable means are provided to permit limited yieldable pivotal movement between the hinge members 53 and 66 about the axis of the hinge pin 6I, which as herein shown comprises compression springs 12 encircling a rod 18 pivotally connected to the hinge member 60 above the hinge pin 6i and extending rearwardly from said hinge member and passing through suitable i lugs 92, 92 integral with and extending upwardly from the hinge member 53. A collar 94 is disposed centrally of the lugs 92, 92 on the rod 18 and is secured thereto in a suitable manner. One of the compression springs 12 is interposed between the inner side of one lug 92 and one side of the collar 94, and the other compression spring 12 is interposed between one side of the other lug 92 and the opposite side of the collar 94.

The hinge member 60 has a forward cutting element support portion 62 formed integral therewith which is adapted to adjustably support the cutting element Ill and slidably engage a suitable support member extending rearwardly from the motor I I in a manner which will hereinafter be more fully described. The cutting element support portion 62 of the hinge member 60 is of greater width than the casing for the motor II and is substantially of the same vertical dimensions as said motor when connected thereto in order to provide an effective support for said cutting element.

Grooved guides 63 are formed integral with the forward portion of the cutting element support portion 62 of the hinge member 80 and extend vertically therealong when said cutting element support portion is positioned substantially perpendicular to the mine bottom (see Figs. l and 3). The grooved guides 63 are adapted to receive the ends of a T shaped guide member 64 formed integral with and extending rearwardly of the casing for the motor II. Sucient clearance is provided between the grooved guides 63 and T shaped guide member 64 to permit relative movement between said parts and allow the cutting element I9 to adjust itself to irregularities in the mine bottom when moved with respect to the portable support 9.

It may thus be seen that a connection has been provided between the portable support 9 and the cutting element I9 which permits said cutting` elementto rest on the mine bottom and forms an adjustable support for the rearward end of said cutting element to guide the cutter bar I2 in a plane substantially parallel with respect to the mine bottom, which connecting means is so constructed as to permit relative freedom of movement of said cutting element with respect to said support so said cutting element may readily follow an uneven mine bottom, and that means are provided for holding said cutting element in fixed angular positions with respect to said support. It may also be seen that the cutting element I9 may be so supported with respect to the portable support 9 as to be moved longitudinally with respect thereto along one or the other sides thereof or swing across the forward end or sides of said portable support, as is clearly illustrated by dotted lines in Figures l and 10.

Referring now to the power means for moving the cutting element I8 longitudinally with respect tothe portable support 9 and the means for swinging said cutting element across the front and s ides of said support and adjusting the cutter bar I2 in various angular positions with respect thereto, a motor 65 is provided adjacent the rearward end of said support. Said motor is provided with a bevel motor pinion 66 `which meshes with and drives a bevel gear 61 keyed on the rearward end of a suitable longitudinally extending shaft 68 journaled intermediate its ends in a suitable bearing bracket extending upwardly from the pan 39. A spur pinion 69 is keyed on the opposite end of the longitudinally extending shaft 68 and meshes with and drives a spur gear 10 keyed on the rearward end of a longitudinally extending shaft 1I. The longitudinally extending shaft 1I is journaled in a suitable worm and worm gear housing and bearing support 13 and has worms 14 and 15 cut integral therewith. The worm 15 meshes with and drives a worm gear 16 keyed on a sleeve. 11, which sleeve is freely mounted on a transversely extending shaft 19 and serves as a driving means for a planetary gear reduction device generally indicated by reference character 80.

The planetary gear reduction device 80 is of l an ordinary construction so will only be herein shown and described in so far as is necessary to clearly disclose my present invention and includes a casing 8| journaled on the sleeve 11 and within the housing and bearing support 13.

A suitable friction means is provided for engaging the outer periphery of the casing 8| for controlling the rotation thereof and providing a friction'slip means for said planetary gear reduction device, which means is herein preferably shown as being a friction band 82. Said friction band is adapted to be engaged with or disengaged from the casing 8| by means: of a suitable system of levers in an ordinary manner (not shown). Y

The sleeve 11 extends within the casing 8| and has a sun gear 83 cut integral therewith, which sun gear meshes with suitable planetary pinions S4 carried by a suitable cage 85. Said planetary pinions mesh with an internal gear 86 keyed to the inner periphery of the casing 8|. Planetary pinions 81, of a larger diameter than the planetary pinions 3%, are out integral with said planetary pinions to one side thereof and mesh with and drive an internal gear 88 supported within the casing 8| for rotation with respect thereto.

The internal gear 88 has a suitable web portion formed integral therewith having clutch jaws 89 'thereon which are adapted tobe meshed with clutch jaws 90 on a suitable clutch member 9| feathered on the transversely extending shaft 1S for driving said shaft at a relatively low frictionally controlled speed in an obvious manner.

Likewise, suitable clutch jaws 93 are provided on the cage 85 and are adapted to be engaged by the clutch jaws 90 on the clutch member 9| for driving the shaft 19 at a higher frictionally controlled speed in an obvious manner.

A bevel gear 95 is keyed on the outer end of the transversely extending shaft 19 and meshes with and drives bevel gears 96 and 91 disposed on opposite sides thereof and freely mounted on a longitudinally extending shaft 98. Suitable clutch means, generally indicated b-y reference character 99, are provided toV operatively connect either of the bevel gears 96 'or 91 with the shaft 98 for driving said shaft in opposite directions Without reversal of the motor 65. The clutch means 99 may be of any type but are herein preferably shown as being of the ordinary jaw type clutch.

A bevel pinion is keyed on the forward end of the longitudinally extending shaft 98 and meshes with and drives a bevel gear |0| keyed on a transversely extending shaft |02 adjacent the outer portion thereof.

The transversely extending shaft |02 is journaled in suitable bearing supports extending upwardly from and secured to the pan 30 of the portable support 9 and has a windingY drum |03 thereon and driven thereby.

The winding drum |03 is adapted to have a suitable Vflexible feeding member |04 wound thereon, which flexible feeding member has connection with the slidable base member 33 at its opposite ends for reciprocably moving said base member along the channels 3|, 3|.Y As herein shown, one end of said flexible feeding member has aY suitable eye piece thereon adapted to be connected to a hook |05 extending rearwardly from the bracket 43 on the slidable base member 33. From the hook |05 the flexible feeding member |04 passes rearwardly to the winding drum |03. Said flexible feeding member is then wound around said feeding drum for several turns and extends forwardly therefrom around a sheave |06. Said sheave is rotatable about a horizontal transverse axis disposed adjacent the forward end of the portable support 9 between the channels 3|, 3| in alignment with the center of the winding drum |03. The end of said feeding member opposite the hook |05 is secured to the forward portion of the slidable base member 33 by means of suitable cable clamping means in an usual manner and generally indicated by reference character |01.

It may thus be seen that when the winding drum |03 is rotated in one direction, the slidable base member 33 will be moved along the channels 3| in the same direction, and that when said winding drum is rotated in the opposite direction said slidable base member will be moved along said channels in an opposite direction through the flexible feeding member |04.

A suitable braking means is provided on the winding drum |03 to hold the slidable base member 33 from movement with respect to the channels 3| or to permit said drum to be used as a retarding -device if desired when manipulating the machine about the mine, which braking means is herein shown as comprising a brake band |08 engageable with the outer periphery of a flange |09 integral with the Winding drum |03. The brake band |08 is engaged with or disengaged from the outer periphery of the flange |09 by means of a suitable system of levers in an ordinary manner well known to those skilled in the art (not shown).

Referring now in particular to the means for swinging the cutting element I0 and cutter bar |2 across the front end or sides of the portable support 9 and adjusting said cutter bar to various angular positions with respect to said support, a sleeve ||0 is mounted on the transversely extending shaft 19 on the end opposite the bevel gear 95. Said sleeve is slidably movable along the shaft 19 to engage clutch jaws formed integral with a flanged portion thereof with clutch jaws |2 formed integral with a sleeve ||3 freely mounted on the sleeve ||0 for driving the sleeve ||3 therefrom.

The sleeve ||0 is driven from the shaft 19 by means of a pin ||4 which is secured to opposite sides thereof in a suitable manner. The pin I4 passes through a slotted portion ||5 of the shaft 19 to permit movement of said sleeve therealong for shifting the clutch jaws l.

, Said sleeve is shifted along the shaft 19 to engage the clutch jaws with the clutch jaws ||2 or disengage said clutch jaws therefrom by lmeans of a suitable system of levers in a manner well known to those skilled in the art (not shown) A bevel gear ||1 is keyed on the outer end of the sleeve ||3 and meshes with and drives bevel gears ||9 and |20 disposed on opposite sides thereof and freely mounted on a longitudinally extending shaft |2|. The longitudinally extending shaft |2| is journaled in suitable bearing support means extending upwardly from the pan 30 of the portable support 9 and suitable clutch means are provided for connecting either of the bevel gears ||9 or |20 with said shaft for driving said shaft in opposite directions without reversal of the motor 65, which clutch means are herein preferably shown as being of the jaw type of an ordinary construction and generally indicated by reference character |22.

Y A bevel pinion |23 is keyed on the forward end of the longitudinally extending shaft |2| and meshes with and drives a bevel gear |24 on a transversely extending shaft |25.

A winding drum |26 is mounted on the transversely extending shaft |25 and is driven therefrom through the bevel gear |24 and has a flexible feeding member |21 adapted to be wound thereon.

A suitable braking means is provided for the winding drum |26 to hold said drum from movement or to permit said drum to be used as a retarding drum when moving the portable support 9 along the mine bottom or for positioning said portable support in the proper relation with respect tov the working place, which braking means as herein shown comprises a friction band ||6 adapted to engage the outer periphery ||8 of a flange integral with and extending outwardly from said winding drum. Said friction band is operated by a suitable system of levers in a usual manner (not shown). 1 p

The flexible feeding member |21 is adapted to pass forwardly from the winding drum |26 over a suitable idler roller |20 around suitable sheaves |29 or |30 disposed on opposite sides of the longitudinal center line of said drum. Said feeding member may extend outwardly from either of said sheaves around suitable sheaves |3| or |32 disposed adjacent opposite sides of the portable support 9 depending upon which direction it is desired to swing the cutting element I0.

From the sheave |3| the flexible feeding member |21 is adapted to extend forwardly along the portable support 9 to a hook |33 on the outer side of the connecting link 40 adjacent the forward portion thereof for pivoting said connecting link about its axis of-pivotal connection to the slidable base member 33. Said flexible feeding member may also extend forwardly of the connecting link 40 to a hook |34 on the outer side of the member 48 adjacent the forward end thereof for pivoting said member about its axis of pivotal connection to the connecting link 40, or pivoting said connecting link about its axis of pivotal connection to the slidable base member 33 when the member 48 is locked in a fixed position with respect to said connecting link.

Likewise, the flexible feeding member |21 may also extend forwardly from the sheave 32 toa hook |35 on the opposite side of. the connecting link 40 from the hook|33 or to a hook |36 on the hinge member 53 on the outer side thereof adjacent the forward end thereof and opposite the 'hook |34 for pivoting the cutting element I0 about either of its vertical axes of pivotal connection to the slidable base member 33. The flexible feeding member |21 may also extend forwardly or rearwardly of either of the sheaves |3| or |32 to a roof jack or xedabutment for moving the portable support 9 along the mine bottom for positioning said portable` supe port in the proper relation to the working face or for moving said portable support from working place to working placev or for feeding said portable support and cutter bar I2 along the face of the coal in cases where it is desired to make a slabbing cut along the coal face.

Means are provided for driving the winding drum |26 at a higher speed than it is driven from the planetary gearv reduction device 80, which drive means is preferably used for moving ,the portable support 9 about the mine from work- -ing place to working place and positioning said ,support for the cutting operation and includes a worm gear |31: driven from the worm 14 and keyed on a transversely extending shaft |38. Said transversely extending shaft is journaled in the 4housing andbearing support 13 at one of its ends and suitable bearing support means extending upwardly from the pan 30 of the portable support 9 adjacent its opposite end in a usual manner.

A spur pinion |40 is keyedon the end of the shaft |38 opposite the worm gear |31. Said spur pinion meshes with and drives a spur gear |4| freely mounted on the sleeve ||3.

Suitable means are provided for operatively connecting the spur gear |4l with the sleeve l I3, whichmeans as herein shown comprise a clutch member |42vhaving clutch jaws |43 integral therewith adapted to engage suitable apertures |44 formed in the web of said spur gear. Said clutch member is moved along the sleeve |I3 to engage the clutch jaws |43 with the apertures |44 or disengage said clutch jaws therefrom by means of a suitable system of levers in a usual manner V(not shown). A

It should be understood that while the cutting operation may be performed by movement of the portable support 9 along the mine bottom effected by the winding drum |26 and flexible feeding member |21, that cutting is preferably performed with said support held in a stationary position with respect to the mine bottom as is illustrated in Figure 10.

Suitable means are provided for holding the portable support 9 in a stationary position during the; cutting operation, which means are herein preferablyshown. as comprising jacks |45 connected to the outer sides of the forward and rearward ends of said portable support so as to be universally movable with respect thereto. A suitable universal connection generally indicated by `reference character |46 and shown in detail in Figure 9 of the drawings is provided for this purpose. Said jacks are so connected to the outer sides of the portable support 9 that they may extend in various angular positions with respect thereto so as to be interposed between said support and the mine roof or the mine wall if desired, or so they may be laid along the sides of the pan 30 if desired.

Referring now in particular to Figure and a preferred form of the use and operation of my invention, when cutting an arcuate kerf in a mine room the connecting link 40 is preferably pivoted about its axis of pivotal connection to ,the slidable base member 33 until the longitudinal axis of said connecting link is substantially at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the portable support `0. The connecting link `40 may then be locked in a fixed position with respect to the slidable base member 33 by means of the latch member 44 which is engaged with one ofthe notches 45 in said connecting link. Positioning of the cutting element I0 and cutter bar |2 so as to extend longitudinally with respect tothe portable support 9 may then be effected by the flexible feeding member |21 connectedv to eitherV oneV of the hooks |34 or A|36 depending upon the direction in which it is desired to cut. 'Ihe cutting element |0 is then preferably lockedY so as to extend parallel to the portableV support 9 along -one side thereof and the-entire cutting element I0 is then preferably moved rearwardly with respect to the portable support 9 by means of the winding drum |03 and flexible feeding member |04 until the slidable base member 33 is adjacent the rearward portionof the channels 3|, 3| and its rearward end engages the forward end of the member on which tioned along therib of the coal.

the sheaves |29', I3II,'I3'|,`an d Y|32 are mounted. The jaws 50 may then be disengaged from the apertures 5| and the cutting element IU moved about the axis of pivotal connection of the member 48 to the co-nnecting link 40 so the forward end of the bits in the cutter chain I3 are posi- The cutting element I may then be locked in such a position by engagement of the jaws 50 with the apertures I.

The portable support 9 being held in a stationary position by the jacks |45, the motor II is started and the cutter chain I3 is driven about the cutter bar I2. The slidable base member 33 may then be mo-ved forwardly along the channels 3|, 3| at a relatively low frictionally controlled speed through the planetary gear reduction device 80 driven from the motor 65 until the cutter bar I2 is sumped into the coal to the desired depth, or until the forward end of said slidable base member engages a suitable stop on the forward portion of the channels 3| 3| and indicated by reference character |39. The jack |45 on the same side of the portable support 9 on which the cutting element I Il is Vdisposed is removed as said cutting element approaches said jack. The means for locking the connecting link 48, member 48, and slidable Ybase member 33 in xed relation with respect to each other is then preferably disengaged and the flexible feeding member |21 is connected with the hook I 34 on the side of the cutting element' Ill towards which vit is desired to cut, and the member 48 and connecting link 40 are then moved about their axes of pivotal connection with respect to the slidable base member 33 until the center line of said connecting link is substantially in alignment with the center line of the cutter bar I2. The jaws 50 are then engaged with the apertures 5IV to hold the connecting link 40 in alignment with the cutter bar I2. The exible feeding member |21 is then trained around the sheaves |39 and |32 tofa suitable sheave |41 disposed adjacent the advance rib of the coal towards which it is desired to cut and held thereto by means of a suitable roof jack in an ordinary manner.' From thence the exiblefeeding member |21 is trained towards the cutting element Ill and preferably connected to the hook |34. The winding drum |26 is then preferably drivenV by the motor 65 ata relatively slow frictionally controlled speed through the planetary gear reductionV device 80 for pivoting the cutting element I0 about the axis of pivotal connection of the connecting link 49 to the slidable base member 33 and feeding the cutter bar I 2 in an arcuate path along the face of the coal.

Y When the forward end of the cutter bar I2 vreaches a position adjacent the advance rib of the coal, the jaws 50 are disengaged from the vapertures 5| and the connection between the connecting link 40 and member 48 is broken. 'Ihe connecting link 40 is then moved about its axis Yof pivotal connection to the slidable'V base member 33' until its center line is disposed at substantially right angles to the portable support 9 when it is preferably locked in such a position lby means of engaging the latch member 44 with Y one of the notches 45. The connecting link 4I) and cutter bar IZ'being locked in such a position, said cutterr bar maybe withdrawn from the face of the coal by means of the flexible 'feeding member |94 fed by the winding drum |93 in a direction opposite to which it was fed in making the sumping cut.

The cutterV bar I 2 may then be positioned in such a position that its center line extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal center line of the portable support 9 when the mining machine may be moved away from the loading apparatus and left in position to make the next cut after the mined coal has been loaded when desired.

While the device of my invention has herein been illustrated as cutting across the front of the portable support 9, it may readily be understood that it may cut across either of the sides of said portable support as well, and that when cutting across the sides of said portable support, movement of the slidable base member 33 along the channels 3|, 3| will feed the cutter bar I 2 along the coal face. It may also be understood that the devicev of my invention may be used to make slabbing cuts along a relatively long face by movement of the portable support 9 along the coal face, the cutter bar I2 being sumped into the coal to its full depth and being locked so as to-extend at right angles to the longitudinal axis of said portable support.

It may now be seen that I have provided a new and improved mining machine of a simplified, compact, and eicient construction arranged soas to be capable of cutting an arcuate kerf in the mine wall from a stationary support in a manner similar to the ordinary track mounted machine; that said support is slidable along the mine bottom and supports the means for feeding the cutter bar into and along the coal face and may itself be used as a feeding means but is preferably held in a stationary position with respect to the mine bottom during the cutting operation; and that this machine is so constructed that it m-ay be economically built for a relatively low cost so that it may economically be left in one room or used in one or more adjoining rooms, making the cutting and loading operations substantially continuous.

While I have herein shown and described one form of my invention, it will be understood that the construction and arrangement of the various parts may be altered without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. Furthermore, I do not wish to be construed as limiting myself to the specific form illustrated, excepting as it may specically be limited in the appended claims. I claim as my invention:

1. In a mining machine, a support slidable along the mine bottom and adapted to rest on and be held in a stationary position with respect to the mine bottom during the cutting operation, cutting mechanism connected to said support for movement therealong including a motor, a cutter bar having a cutter chain movable thereabout, means driven by said motor for driving said cutter chain abo-ut Vsaid cutter bar, and mechanisms carried by said support for feeding said cutting mechanism longitudinally thereof and for swinging said cutter bar with respect to the sides and forward end of said support.

2. A mining machine in accordance with claim Vl wherein the mechanism for feeding the cutting mechanism longitudinally of the support is independent of the mechanism for swinging the cutter bar across the front of the support.

3. A mining machine in accordance with claim `1 wherein a motor is provided on the support and wherein the mechanisms for feeding the cutting mechanism longitudinally of the support and swinging the cutter bar across the front of the support are driven from said motor independently of eachother.

4. A mining machine in accordance with claim 1 wherein a motorfis provided on the support, wherein the mechanism for swinging the cutter bar across the front of the support is driven by said motor through a frictionally controlled plural speed geared reduction drive, and wherein the mechanism for moving said cutting mechanism longitudinally thereof is driven by said motor in reverse directions without reversal of said motor.

5. A mining machine in accordance with claim 1 wherein a motor Ais provided on the support, wherein the mechanism for swinging the cutter bar across the iront of the support is driven by said motor through reverse gearing and africtionally controlled plural speed geared reduction drive, and wherein the mechanism for moving the cutting mechanism longitudinally of the support is driven by said motor through said frictionally controlled plural speed geared reduction drive and reverse gearing independently of said swinging mechanism. i

6. A mining machine in accordance with claim l wherein the mechanism for feeding the cutting mechanism longitudinally of the support cornprises a feed drum adapted to be driven at either a high or low frictionally controlled speed having a flexible memberV thereon connectible with said cutting mechanism, and wherein the mechanism for swinging the cutter bar across the front of the support comprises another feed drum operable independently of said rst mentioned feed drum at either a high or low frictionally controlled speed having a iiexible member wound thereon and adapted `to have connection with said cutting mechanism.

'7. In a mining machine, a support, cutting mechanism movable longitudinally thereof comprising a member mounted on said support for longitudinal movement with respect thereto, another member mounted on said rst mentioned member for pivotal movement with respect thereto about a vertical axis, a member mounted on said second mentioned member for pivotal movement with respect thereto about both a horizontal and vertical axis, and a cutter bar supporting member connected to said last mentioned member for pivotal movement with respect thereto about a horizontal axis.

8. In a mining machine, a support, cutting mechanism movable longitudinally thereof comprising a cutter bar having a cutter chain movable thereabout and means for connecting said cutter bar to said support for slidable movement with respect thereto and swinging movement'across the sides and forward end thereof comprising a cutter bar supporting member slidable directly on the mine bottom, a member connectible with said lcutter bar supporting member for pivotal movement with respect thereto about a horizontal axis, another member mounted on said support for slidable movement therealong and for pivotal movement with respect thereto about a vertical axis,`and another member pivotally connecting said last mentioned members together.

9. In a mining machine, a support, cutting mechanism movable longitudinally thereof cornprising a cutter bar having a cutter chain movable thereabout, and means for connecting said cutter bar to said support for slidable movement with respect thereto and swinging movement with respect to the forward end and sides thereof comprisinga support member mounted on said support for slidable movement therealong, a connecting member pivotally mounted on said support member'ior pivotal movement with respect thereto about a vertical axis, a member mounted on said connecting member for pivotal movement with respect thereto about both a horizontal and vertical axis, and a cutter bar supporting member having connection with said last mentioned member for pivotal movement with respect thereto about a horizontal axis. i

10. In a mining machine, a support comprising a. guide frame adapted to rest on and slide along the mine bottom, and cutting mechanism includinga projecting cutter bar connected lto said guide frame for slidable movement with respect thereto and for swinging movement and angular adjustment with respect thereto about a plurality of Vspaced parallel vertical axes.

11. A mining machine in accordance with claim 10 wherein the cutting mechanism is also pivotally movable about a plurality of horizontal axes.

l2. A mining machine in accordance with claim 10. wherein the cutting mechanism is also pivotally movable about a plurality of horizontal axes disposed at right angles with respect to each other.

13. In a mining machine, a support comprising a. guide frame adapted to rest on and slide along the mine bottom, and cutting mechanism including a projecting cutter bar connected to said guide frame for slidable movement with respect thereto and for swinging movement and angular adjustment with respect thereto about two spaced parallel vertical axes, and locking means for` locking said cutter bar in iixed relation with respect to either of said parallel axes.

'14. A mining machine in accordance with claim 13 wherein the cutter bar is also adjustable about two horizontal axes.

15. A mining machine in accordance with claim 13 wherein thecutter bar is also adjustable about two horizontal axes which are disposed at right angles with respect to each other.

16. In a. mining machine of the class described, a. support comprising a guide frame adapted to rest on and slide along the mine bottom, and cutting mechanism including a projecting chain carrying cutter bar adapted to cut a kerf adjacent the mine bottom, a plurality oi' connecting members for connecting said cutter bar to said guide frame for slidable movement with respect thereto andfor swinging movement and angular adjustment with respect thereto about two spaced parallel vertical axes.

17. A mining machine in accordance with claim 16 wherein the cutter bar is also adjustable about two horizontal axes which are disposed at right angles with respect to each other.

18. A mining machine in accordance with claim 16 wherein vlocking means are provided for locking the cutter bar in fixed relation with respect to either of the parallel axes and wherein the cutter bar is also adjustable about a plurality of horizontal axes which are disposed at right angles with respect to each other.

19. A mining machine in accordance with claim v16 wherein the cutter bar is also adjustable with respect to the ground about two horizontal axes disposed at rightangles with respect to cach other and whereby means are provided for adjusting the angle oi.' the cutter bar with respect to the ground.

20. A mining machine in accordance with claim `1.6` wherein the cutter bar is also adjustable with respect to the ground about two horizontal axes disposed substantially at right angles with respect to each other and wherein means are provided for adjusting the angle of the cutter bar with repect to the ground which comprises a shoe slidable on the ground and adjustably supporting said cutter bar.

2l. A mining machine in accordance with claim 16 wherein the cutter bar is also adjustable with respect to the ground about two horizontal axes disposed substantially at right angles with respect to each other and wherein means are provided for adjusting the angle of the cutter bar with respect to the ground which comprises a shoe slidable on the ground having screw devices pivotally connected to opposite sides thereof, said screw devices having adjustable supporting engagement with said cutter bar.

22. In a mining machine, va support comprising a guide frame adapted to rest on andvslide along the mine bottom, and cutting mechanism including a projecting cutter bar connected to said guide frame for slidable movement with respect thereto and for swinging movement and angular adjustment with respect thereto about two spaced parallel vertical axes, and power means on said support for moving said cutting mechanism along said guide frame and swinging said cutter bar with respect to said support comprising a motor disposed adjacent the rearward end of said support, a plurality of feed drums, a selective drive connection from said motor to one of said drums including reverse gearing, and another selective drive connection from said motor to said other rum including reverse gearing and a frictionally controlled plural speed geared reduction drive.

23. In a mining machine, a support comprising a guide frame adapted to rest on and slide along the mine bottom, and cutting mechanism including a projecting cutter bar connected to said guide frame for slidable movement with respect thereto and for swinging movement and angular adjustmentV with respect thereto about two spaced parallel vertical axes, a motor on said support disposed adjacent the rearward end thereof, a winding drum, a flexible member operatively connected with said winding drum and having connection with said cutting mechanism for reciprocably moving said cutting mechanism along said guide frame upon rotation thereof, a drive connection between said motor and winding drum including reverse gearing, another winding drum, a flexible member operatively connected therewith and adapted to have connection with said cutting mechanism for swinging and angularly adjusting said cutting mechanism with respect to said support .about both of said parallel axes and another drive connection from said motor to said last mentioned winding drum.

24. A mining machine in accordance with claim 23 wherein the drive connection from the motor to the second mentioned winding drum includes a frictionally controlled plural speed geared reduction drive.

25. A mining machine in accordance with claim 23 wherein the drive connection from the motor to the second mentioned winding drum includes reverse gearing and a plural speed geared reduction drive.

26. A mining machine in accordance with claim 23 wherein the drive connection from the motor to the second mentioned winding drum includes reverse gearing and a plural speed planetary gear ing a' guide frame,'cutting mechanism connected to said guide frame for movement therealong and for swinging movement with respect thereto comprising a cutting element adapted to rest on and slide along the mine bottom having a cutter bar projecting forwardly therefrom, means for connecting said cutting element with said guide frame comprising a member slidably movable along said guide frame, and a connecting member connecting said slidable member with said cutting element for pivotal movement with respect thereto about two spaced parallel vertical axes.

28. A mining machine in accordance with claim 27 wherein locking means are provided for locking said cutting element in fixed relation with respect to either of the vertical axes.

29. In a mining machine, a support comprising a guide frame, cutting mechanism connected to said guide frame for movement therealong and for swinging movement with respect thereto comprising a cutting element adapted to rest on and slide along the mine bottom having a cutter bar projecting forwardly therefrom, and means for connecting said cutting element with said guide frame comprising a member slidably movable along said guide frame, a connecting member having pivotal connection with said slidable member for pivotal movement with respect thereto about a vertical axis adjacent one of its ends, a member having pivotal connection with said connecting member adjacent its opposite end for pivotal movement with respect thereto about a vertical axis and for limited pivotal movement with respect thereto about a horizontal axis, and a connection between said cutting element and said last mentioned member permitting said cutting element to move about a horizontal axis disposed substantially at right angles to said last mentioned horizontal axis.

30. In a mining machine, a support, cutting mechanism guided by said support for rectilinear movement therealong and pivotal movement with respect thereto including a motor slidably movable along the ground and having a cutter bar projecting forwardly therefrom, and a connection between said cutting mechanism and said support arranged to permit said cutting mechanism to pivotally move with respect thereto about a pair of intersecting axes and guide said mechanism to freely move generally vertically with respect thereto independently of movement about said axes to conform to irregularities in the ground.

31. A mining machine in accordance with claim 30, wherein the connection between the cutting mechanism and support comprises a vertically arranged guide adapted to be slidably engaged by said cutting mechanism.

32. In a mining apparatus adapted to cut a horizontal kerf in a mine wall, a motor, a cutter bar extending forwardly therefrom and having a cutter chain movable thereabout and driven by said motor, said motor and cutter bar being adapted to be slidably moved along the ground, a guide frame, and a connection between said motor and guide frame for guiding said cutter bar for longitudinal movement with respect thereto when disposed at either side thereof and for swinging movement across the forward ends and sides thereof comprising a member guided for slidable movement along said support and a slidable connection between said member and motor permitting said motor to slidably move with respect thereto in a generally vertical direction in a pluralty of parallel planes.

33. A mining apparatus in accordance with claim 32, wherein said motor has slidable connection with said member for slidable movement with respect thereto in a plurality of vertical planes and wherein the means for slidably connecting said motor to said member comprise vertical guides on the forward end of said member and corresponding vertical guides extending rearwardly of said motor.

34. In a mining machine adapted to cut a horizontal kerf in a mine wall, a motor, a cutter bar extending forwardly therefrom and having a cutter chain movable thereabout and driven by said motor, said motor and cutter bar being adapted to be slidably moved along the ground, a guide frame, and a connection between said motor and guide frame for guiding said cutter bar for longitudinal movement with respect thereto when disposed at either side thereof and for swinging movement across the forward ends and sides thereof comprising a member guided for slidable movement along said support and pivotally movable with respect thereto about a plurality of perpendicular axes and a slidable connection between said member and motor for holding said cutter bar in a relatively horizontal position and permitting said cutter bar and mo'- tor to vertically move with respect thereto.

35. In a mining machine, a support, cutting mechanism guided by said support for rectilinear movement therealong and pivotal movement with respect thereto including a motor slidably movable along the ground and having a cutter bar projecting forwardly therefrom, and a connection between said cutting mechanism and said support arranged to permit said cutting mechanism to freely move vertically with respect thereto to conform to irregularities in the ground comprising a vertically arranged guide adapted to be slidably engaged by said cutting mechanism.

36. In a mining apparatus adapted to cut a horizontal kerf in a mine wall, a motor, a cutter bar extending forwardly therefrom and having a cutter chain movable thereabout and driven by said motor, said motor and cutter bar being adapted to be slidably moved along the ground', a guide frame, and a connection between said motor and guide frame for guiding said cutter bar for longitudinal movement with respect thereto when disposed at either side thereof and for swinging movement across the forward ends and sides thereof comprising a member guided for slidable movement along said support, and a slidable connection between said member and motor including vertical guides o'n the forward end of said member and cooperating vertical guides extending rearwardly of said motor.

CHARLES A. PRATT. 

